DPP legislator draws fire for pro-Chen comment

By Flora Wang / STAFF REPORTER

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Yu Tien (余天) drew ire from lawmakers across party lines over a remark in Sanchung (三重), Taipei County, on Wednesday in support of former president Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁).

During a rally to boost support for Chen, Yu told participants he “would rather have a president who launders money than a government that puts everyone at risk of having to be on dialysis,” a reference to the government’s much-criticized regulations on the toxic chemical melamine found in imported Chinese food products.

DPP Legislator Lee Chun-yee (李俊毅) yesterday said Yu’s remarks would have a negative impact on Yu, the DPP caucus and the DPP party. He did not elaborate.